Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Contact:  http://www.pqbnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361
Author: Cst. Beth Blackburn
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

GET REAL, GET AWAY FROM ECSTASY

MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also commonly known as Ecstasy, is a 
synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic qualities.

The drug became popular in the rave scene of the '90s and has found its way 
into our high schools in the new millennium at an alarming rate.

Know as the 'hug drug' or 'feel good' drug, it reduces inhibitions, 
eliminates anxiety, and produces feelings of empathy for others. Because of 
these good feelings youth were lead to believe that this drug was safe and 
non-addictive.

This is simply not true.

In addition to chemical stimulation, the drug suppresses the need to eat, 
drink or sleep.

Controlled studies in humans have shown that MDMA has potent effects on the 
cardiovascular system, on the body's ability to regulate its internal 
temperature. Of great concern is MDMA's adverse effect on the pumping 
efficiency of the heart. Increased physical activity increases heart rate 
significantly, but the heart does not respond in a normal manner.

Since MDMA use is often associated to dancing all night, the effects on the 
heart could increase the risk of heart damage in susceptible individuals.

MDMA in its true form works in the brain by increasing the activity levels 
of at least three neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers of brain 
cells): serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MDMA causes these 
neurotransmitters to be released from their storage sites in neurons 
resulting in increased brain activity.

MDMA causes a release of mass quantities of serotonin and a lesser amount 
of dopamine.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the 
regulation of mood, sleep, pain, emotion, appetite and other behaviors.

By releasing large amounts of serotonin and also interfering with its 
synthesis, MDMA causes the brain to become significantly depleted of this 
important neurotransmitter. As a result, it takes the human brain time to 
rebuild its serotonin levels.

The depletion of serotonin may be long-term and these persistent deficits 
in serotonin are likely responsible for many of the behavioral effects that 
the user experiences.

There is a growing body of evidence that associates this serotonin loss in 
heavy MDMA users to confusion, depression, sleep problems, persistent 
elevation of anxiety, aggressive and impulsive behavior and selective 
impairment of some working memory and some attention processes.

Real ecstasy doesn't come from either alcohol or drugs.

Get high on life.

Next week: Learn about howthe tablets being sold on streets as Ecstasy are 
not what they appear.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom